Lagos State expands health insurance to target universal coverage

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a new phase of health reforms aimed at achieving universal health coverage. Speaking at the second Eko Health Convention, the Governor emphasized a shift from executing isolated healthcare projects to building enduring institutions that ensure quality, affordable, and accessible care for all residents, regardless of income or location.

Central to these reforms is the mandatory health insurance mandate, following an executive order in July 2024 that domesticated the National Health Insurance Authority Act. Currently, over 1.5 million residents are enrolled in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme. To increase accessibility, the government has introduced the Ilera Eko EasyPay platform, which allows residents to pay premiums in installments.

Additional support mechanisms include the Equity Fund, which finances premiums for vulnerable citizens, and the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme Assistance in Distress, designed to ensure emergency patients receive immediate treatment while insurance or payment issues are resolved.